Category Archives: Reflections

Picture of Today 3/1/15, to Live Long and Prosper..



Yes, that is an original outfit worn by Leonard Nimoy, as Spock – science officer to the USS Enterprise. It was on display at the entrance to the open public, this weekend at the EMP Museum in Seattle.

As many of you already know, the actor behind the ears passed away days ago. While Nimoy is best known for playing that character through many years, it’s important to know hE was also a director, a musician, an artist, a voice actor, a writer, a poet, and much more. His experiences and well roundedness contributed to the building of our Vulcan friend. Spock’s “fascinating” view of humanity from the outside was a character trait brought forth by Nimoy after advice from another (detailed from the excellent “These Are the Voyages” first book by Marc Cushman). The humanistic yet logical demeanor Nimoy brought to his character helped bring realism and seriousness to the science fiction genre.

For me, the character of Spock through Nimoy influenced my development over the decades. Through repeat viewings of Star Trek, I often admired his Vulcan logic to solve troubling dilemmas. To consider both sides of an argument, and use the most intelligent, non-violent to find the best answers. His subtle humor, and observations of human behavior, and philosophical exchanges contribute to the intelligent commentary that was often Star Trek.  Nimoy’s development and dedication to the character lasted through books, movies, cartoons..and his own reflections in interviews and autobiographical accounts. 

And to his soul “being the most human,” here is a poem Nimoy posted on Twitter, one week ago..




Thank you Leonard Nimoy.. your contributions to the betterment of humanity will live long and prosper.

Pictures of Today 2/17/15, the Special Set

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Another day, another awesome reason to enjoy the world around you.

Though, I regret not finding the time yesterday in my busy schedule to venture local. I saw much from the Seattle social media of some epic sunset then. Well, that seems to happen all the time! I said before on how amazing our sunsets are, as no two seem the same.

Yet, for some reason yesterday was super special. Well, today is also super special. Maybe not as super special as yesterday, but still…super special. You just got to enjoy the time outside no matter what day (even with no sun). Anything else awesome in wait, is just a bonus.

Below are others who may agree, in a moment of sunset glory..

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Picture of Today 2/10/15, Can’t wait for Spring..

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I admire the early blooms of this winter now. These are reminders of changes, and how every month has signs of the next ahead. The weather lately is a little less chill as the days go by, and a bit more relaxed..for now. The rains pass by with light long pours, usually in the night with just enough to leave the ground soaked for a day or two. I see a lot of mud, and reflections of the grey skies above.

Meanwhile, some plants in various gardens around the city are presenting their first blooms of 2015. I have been told that some of the great cherry trees of the Northwest are showing signs of early Spring. These natural presentations are great, as I have been a bit too comfortable with these short days of grey. Perhaps, the time for early change in this season, is a sign that I must bloom early as well. I have set multiple goals for myself, of which I hope to have active by this Spring. Much like these new blooms, I can not wait.

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Picture of Today 2/8/15, Grey Sunday

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Today was a simple day of nothing. Some waffles, some books, some light thoughts of where the week will go; no stress and kicking feet up when possible. Then, I remembered to take a walk. That took effort, as I enjoyed my lazy state of mind. Yet, I did go out (realizing I was almost out of laundry detergent, and the local market closes early on Sunday).

And, the city was quiet. Not many out, with most cars in their parked positions. There was little wind, but enough to let the currents cleanse the the dulled senses (from being indoors for so long). Looking to the sky, where all was grey and thick..the occasional bird gliding by; feelings of kind nothings filled the mind of mine. So, I went for a longer walk, and took the above picture (and below). That was the highlight of my day, perhaps the whole week. Let’s see..

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Picture of Today 2/1/15, Keep the Lights on

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Today will be a day not forgotten by Seahawk fans, or sports fans in general.

In short, the home team would have won this Super Bowl football finale. Both teams played a great, very tough game. The difference in victory was less than a yard to go. But in the end, a terrible call happened for the Seahawks, and perhaps the worst play in football (definitely in Super Bowl history) was made. Even so, it’s all a reminder of how human we can all be. Mistakes can be made, as imperfections are born from our god-given ability to make them. The best thing to do is brush them off, learn from these, and move on.

Then with new wisdom, there will be new victories to strive toward..like next season for the Seattle team. I look forward.

(Go Hawks!)

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Thoughts of Today 12/31/14, Goodbye 2014

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2014 was a crazy year, and anything but mundane and boring.

The past year was happy for me at least. However, with a lot of other emotions thrown in. Every year, one must take the good with the bad. I lost a lot, including an organ, and a wonderful friend to an underestimated mental illness. I also gained a lot, including some fantastic video/audio producing skills and new friends; including a person of great inspiration worked for, who fought off life-threatening cancer..twice. I didn’t travel as much, though I have seen some incredible sights around this great Emerald City. I read some great books (lots of comics, ask me for recommendations), and watched some great movies (Nightcrawler, Guardians of the Galaxy, Birdman, Under the Skin, Black Mirror Christmas). I was guest host on a podcast (Junk Food Dinner), and experimented with audio journalism (not the best results however). I learned that I can quit sodas and deep-fried foods (and avoided such for 99% of the year). I also learned how awesome ice cream and waffles taste on a late sleepless night, and the joy of crazy cloud formations and epic sunsets. I spent great time with old friends I haven’t seen in many years, of who I missed much. I also broke my favorite camera, which I have attempted and failed to fix (may have to give and buy a new body for it..sigh). But at least I put some great pictures before that.

Also, the world around me changed. 3-D printing has jumped very far ahead, where we can now print objects in space orbit. We also landed a machine on a comet traveling 55,000 kilometers per hour. Some US states legalized marijuana and gay marriage. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than 88 million dollars, through fantastically viral Internet social networking. Robin Williams passed away, much too soon and very tragically. Multiple police brutality incidents and accusations of such lead to some riots and civil unrest. Far off, there are escalating conflicts with heavy casualties worldwide; most notably in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, the Central African Republic. Also, the Ebola virus took some major headlines, as doctors and nurses personally handling the spread are this year’s greatest heroes to me. There was much good and bad, of which we will not forget.

Well 2014, all has been fun and everything else interesting.. My eyes are still open.

There is a little left, of which I will spend in a local café writing and organizing. Later I will be on the roof of my Seattle apartment, awaiting the fireworks close by at that Space Needle. To all: have a great and safe New Year’s Eve, and a 2015 run full of great experiences.

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Picture of Today 12/21/14, Winter at 3:03 p.m

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Early today at 3:03 pm, I snapped this moment.

Then, also the official minute when the Winter Solstice officially begins for the area, says this site. The shortest day of the year will soon become the longest night.

What else included the unique and special moment, was my sipping of some amazing hot buttered rum apple cider. It was the best, tastiest cider I can recall from memory. The comforting aroma and steamy hot mixture made with organic fresh apples, was minutes purchased from the nearby Pike Market. They also had other cider mixes, of which are all good (you can taste test). I highly recommend these to visitors, especially if feeling a little ill (like myself this weekend). For those here and wanting, the location is usually in a small tent outside, or check out their site for more info at tinysorganic.com.

That totem pole is awesome. There are others throughout the city, with an interesting history, but for another day to me to share. For now, here is a better shot of that very tall pole..

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Picture of Today 12/9/14, Reflecting Seattle

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Today was blue, full of thin cloudy strands above. Added surroundings added nicety, for a pleasant walk and great reflections.

Picture of Today 12/5/14

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Sadly, my usual DSLR camera remains broken. Yet, here I am alone on the roof and I need to share this moment.

The clouds are moving fast, teasing the Moon and its piercing light; entertaining us who stand on rooftops in the night. It’s near full, this Moon (waxing gibbous) So, being stubborn in my moment, I capture with the little phone thing in my pocket (and slight editing later).  I hope you will love this moment with me, in every low-resolution detail.

 

Picture of Today 11/26/14

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It’s a whole new day!

But I should be getting some sleep soon..

Picture of Today 11/25/14

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Happiness is watching some Peanuts cartoon from the warmth of your surroundings. These good times with Charlie Brown and the gang do not have to be from the home, or with familiars, or in direct gaze at the screen.

Message in a Bottle..

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Now recovering from surgery, and also bummed on some missed blogging days in pictures and stray thoughts. I had a good streak going..sigh.

But then for all that missing, I have this wonderful piece of therapeutic art (above) done by my soulful friend from afar, Laura Teoli (Twitter @lteoli), in a heartfelt response to this difficult situation. Such a thoughtful piece fills in what we could all use in a sudden time of difficulty; that message in a bottle. It could be art, or something else of positive vibes with a warm heart; because we can not always count on ourselves when dealing with terrible pain and uncertainty.

So..if you got a friend in a sudden woeful state, send over that metaphorical message in a bottle (which can also be an actual message in a bottle, there are no rules to this).

Meanwhile, I shall return to posting more pictures and random thoughts.

Picture of Today 11/13/14

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“Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain.”

Henry David Thoreau

Picture of Today 11/12/14

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This evening, life goes on for this city of Seattle. The wind picks up and the current temperature chills down to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside, most people are either coming or going to where they must. Inside, I will soon cook mash potatoes and smoked salmon.

I look back to what made this day special..

Earlier and 510 million miles away, on a comet traveling at 24,600 miles per hour; the Philae probe made its successful landing upon its surface. This journey took more than 10 years in space travel, with many risks along the way. The purpose is to collect and send data (along with the separated Rosetta spacecraft) that may give further insight to the scientific origins of life on earth. More on that at esa.int.

Cheers to this special day.

Picture of Today 5/6/14

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I found a whole new world..
around the corner, in a park.

It was always there..
I just had to notice.

Picture of Today 2/25/14

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I feel the changes, looking to the sky.

The clouds are thinning, dispersing. The blue is breaking out as the sunlight pierces. Below, the grass is more inviting, as I need to rest. My clothes are heavier, from the warming weather. Just days ago, the city had possibilities of snow, in addition to its long period of cold and rainy weather. For the while until much later, I think such characteristics will dwindle, along with those long nights.

Spring is coming. I can feel it.

…

Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Back to some Science Fiction..

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Back to some science fiction..

I recently wrote another comics review for the graphic novel, Shifter by Anomaly Productions. Shifter is a story involving multi-dimensional travel, mind-linking and murder. I read and reviewed the motion comic version smartphone app for its story and interactivity (print version also available out there). For that, check out the review on my friend’s blog, All Day Comics (click here).

So lately, I was thinking over my renewed love for science fiction. But not just in our traditional print and media forms, but how changing technology could bring new dimensions to such storytelling. I discuss on the how in my Shifter review, where the addition of an accessible appendix lore enhances the overall story. Throw in augments to the art and sound mixes, than the product can change for the better. I am also currently reading and engaging with the interactive puzzle/novel Device 6, playing Tengami, and looking forward to the listening to the Clarkesworld Magazine podcast for new sci-fi/fantasy short stories.

Such quick gratifications on these curious escapes enriches my sci-fi geekiness. But, I wonder what else is possible, or changeable in how we receive our imaginative stories? And perhaps more importantly, how soon?

 

 

Seattle May Day yesterday..

May Day is an interesting day for this great Seattle city.

In the past, the day seemed worldly focused more on festivities, associated with some kind of pole. Now and especially in Seattle, May 1 is part of the International Workers’ Day movement. So, there are big massive public gatherings of protest and solidarity. In most, the participant organize well with much shouting and marching with a focus on worker and human rights. However last year, the city had its troubled incidents involving the Black Bloc anarchist group, the Seattle Police Department and a local famous superhero.

Yesterday, I took an errand-filled evening walk on this bright and sunny day, almost forgetting the May 1st significance. Then, I heard the chanting and cheering. Streets closed, and a march through the downtown city streets happened. All seemed to move well, as I joined with curious intent.

For 2013, the majority issue was on immigration rights and reform. For this particular portion, the atmosphere was positive and feel good. I listened to the loud voices, chanting with the American flags waving and large signs held high. Not all was agreeable, some messages were unclear. Overall, I felt reassured and positive for this society where peaceful gatherings are allowed, encouraged, and attended with many participants.

Also noticeable, were the large number of people snapping and recording visuals. Many will spread online, especially to the great social networks where the message will go global and observed with inspiration. Also, much police stood aside and ready; keeping the peace as they should. Other places and times nearby not so much, as violence broke out and questionable tactics happened, ending with 17 arrests, 8 police officers reported injured.

Here below, are my low-res phone pics on the lighter side of Seattle’s May Day 2013.

photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens photo by Orion Tippens

Write Hard

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Writing is fun, but not always easy.

For the following, I share and elaborate.

I love to write, and engage often through this blog. I write for other online sites, usually through freelance and volunteer work. Then, the various social networks and message boards, of which I share my two cents on many subjects. There are also emails, chats, texts, etc. Overall, I strive for professionalism in my communications. Grammar and form are especially important.

I make mistakes. Most of the time, easily and quickly spotted. The rest, I feel shamed when discovered late. The worst of my guilty writing sins include the repeated overuse of unnecessary words, run-on sentences, subject/verb disagreements, the occasional apostrophe slip. Sometimes the typing and thinking are not in sync, words are skipped.

I edit myself a lot. Editing others is easier, I think. I find the more creative I write, the more edits needed. However, I fear for the missed errors and awkwardness. I develop new healthy habits, while maintaining my style. Lately, I strive to eliminate unnecessary wordage. I also work to shorten sentences and reduce paragraphs to their individual purposes. I occasionally stop and write a standalone sentence, for special effect.

I especially enjoy doing that.

Don’t let personal writing pitfalls discourage from writing. Keep writing, no matter what. Have fun with your writing, and be creative when necessary. If you screw up, chuckle in your corrections. Maybe, dedicate and share a blog post on your developments. More importantly, learn and develop new positive writing habits. I do this constantly and enjoy this vital growth.

Also, learn from others. There are plenty of resources out there. My suggestions include style guides, reference books, writing exercises, peer advice. Consult your local librarian for good further direction.

Also, never rely on built-in software spell checks.

I conclude with a recently discovered blog from the New York Times online, written by their associate managing editor, Philip B. Corbett. It’s “After Deadline”, and examines errors in usage and style found in NYT newsrooms. There, is good advice on recognizing various abuses of grammar, spelling, style. For that goodness, click here.

PS, I welcome further advice and criticism. Bring it on.